Value.... think about it....

[Hands0n]

Interesting comparison with Flat Screen TVs - I've just ordered a Hyundai 32" DVB-T HD-Ready yadda yadda yadda for a shade over £600 delivered! These things are commodity items already!

I do think that, while they do indeed need to recoup dev costs, the reality would be that they could recoup them certainly and easily within 12 months if they were priced (SIM free) more in reach of the average person's disposable. The high prices for SIM free put these handsets out of reach of the vast majority of buyers who, inevitably, opt for a contract-supply option. No doubt the manufacturer wins anyway, so the perceived need to reduce prices is not apparent. But I still maintain that the manufacturers could carve a market out for themselves, independently of the mobile ops, in the lifestyle area (a handset for each occasion!). It is somewhat happening despite the retail prices for SIM free - they are sitting on a powder keg of opportunity but not exploiting it.